Snowy Owl
ExploreBird
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
The Snowy Owl is a beautiful white bird that loves cold places! It has big yellow eyes and can be very quiet when hunting for food.
Habitat: Tundra and open fields
Appearance
The Snowy Owl is a large, majestic white owl with bright yellow eyes and a round head. Males are almost pure white, while females and young owls have varying degrees of dark barring. Its dense plumage sets it apart from other owls.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusBubo
Category
BirdRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
A female Snowy Owl can lay up to 16 eggs if food is super abundant!
During "irruptions," many snowy owls fly south for winter when lemming populations crash.
Snowy owls are one of the few owl species that hunt mostly during the day!
Unlike most owls, they often perch on the ground or low rocks instead of trees.
Special abilities
Ability
Arctic Armor
Snowy Owl has incredibly dense feathers, even on its feet, that help them stay warm in freezing polar temperatures.
Ability
Silent Hunter
Snowy Owl can fly almost silently thanks to special fringed feathers that help them sneak up on unsuspecting prey.
Ability
Super Hearing
Snowy Owl has asymmetrical ear openings that help them pinpoint prey by sound, even under thick snow!
Ability
Head Swivel
Snowy Owl can rotate its head almost 270 degrees to spot prey without moving its body.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 53-65 cm
- Wingspan
- 130-150 cm
- Weight
- 1.6-3 kg
- Lifespan
- 9-10 years
- Top Speed
- 50 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-11
- Incubation
- 32-33 days
- Migration Distance
- 2500 km
Diet & Feeding
These Arctic hunters mostly eat small furry animals like lemmings and voles, but they will also catch birds.
Primary Foods
- Lemmus trimucronatus
- Microtus pennsylvanicus
- Lagopus lagopus
- Lepus arcticus
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Brown Lemming
Lemmus trimucronatus
Primary food source, especially in the Arctic tundra.
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
Common prey in open grasslands during winter migration.
hunts
Willow Ptarmigan
Lagopus lagopus
A key avian prey species in their northern range.
eaten by
Arctic Fox
Vulpes lagopus
Known to predate on eggs and owlets in their nests.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Feathered
These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.
Tundra
These cold, treeless plains are found in Earth's polar regions and high mountains, where plants and animals are specially adapted to icy conditions.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Arctic Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Snowy Owl?
53-65 cm
What is Snowy Owl's wingspan?
130-150 cm
How much does Snowy Owl weigh?
1.6-3 kg
How long does Snowy Owl live?
9-10 years
How fast can Snowy Owl move?
50 km/h
What does Snowy Owl eat?
These Arctic hunters mostly eat small furry animals like lemmings and voles, but they will also catch birds.
Where is Snowy Owl usually found?
Tundra and open fields
How does Snowy Owl hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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